"Parrot fever", caused by the bird-borne bacteria Chlamydia psittaci, is on the rise and has resulted in several deaths in Europe. The infection can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected birds and their secretions, posing a higher risk to pet bird owners, poultry workers, veterinarians, and gardeners. Symptoms include flu-like symptoms and pneumonia, but the illness can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed promptly.
An outbreak of parrot fever, or psittacosis, has resulted in five deaths across Austria, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands, with almost 90 people affected. The illness, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci, primarily affects birds but can be transmitted to humans through inhalation of infected particles. The affected countries have reported an increase in cases, prompting epidemiological investigations and surveillance. The WHO advises pet-bird owners to maintain cleanliness and hygiene practices to minimize the risk of transmission.
Parrot fever, caused by the bacteria Chlamydia psittaci and often originating from birds, has resulted in five deaths in Europe, prompting warnings from the World Health Organization. The illness, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected birds, has seen an increase in cases in Austria, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and The Netherlands. Symptoms include flu-like symptoms and pneumonia, and the infection can be diagnosed through cultures and treated with antibiotics. Those at highest risk include people who work closely with pet birds, and precautions are advised for those in affected areas.
An outbreak of psittacosis, commonly known as "parrot fever," has resulted in at least five deaths and dozens of hospitalizations across Europe, with cases surging in countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, and Sweden. The respiratory bacterial infection is typically transmitted through contact with infected birds or inhalation of particles from their feathers or dried feces, posing a higher risk to pet owners, poultry workers, gardeners, and veterinarians. While most cases present mild symptoms such as fever and coughing, severe instances can lead to pneumonia, and about one in 100 patients die from the illness. Despite the unusual increase in cases, the World Health Organization has assessed the current outbreak as posing a low risk.
An outbreak of psittacosis, also known as parrot fever, has affected several European countries, leading to the deaths of five people. The bacterial infection is caused by Chlamydia bacteria found in wild and pet birds, and can be transmitted to humans through bird secretions or bites. Symptoms include headache, muscle pain, dry cough, fever, and chills, but can be treated with antibiotics. Countries like Austria, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands have reported an increase in cases, prompting the World Health Organization to monitor the situation and advise caution for those in contact with birds.
